DIY "HiFi" cables - and why I don't trust BJC and the likes

I'm not sure if the OP meant to criticize all DIY cables or those "cable companies" that are being disingenuous about their added value. 

I completely agree that cable companies that use readily available bulk cable, add some connectors and some woven polyester sleeving, and then charge 5 or 10 times the retail cost of the components while pretending that they have some unique technology are pretty sleazy. 

I don't think this necessarily results in a bad cable - there is some excellent bulk cable made by companies like Furutech, Neotech, DH Labs, Mogami, Kimber, Canare, Belden and others, that offer good to excellent performance. But a DIYer can use the same bulk cable with good quality connectors and achieve the same results (assuming they know what they are doing wrt prepping and terminating) for a fraction of the cost.

I have no problem with companies, such as Blue Jean Cable, that disclose the fact they are using one of these products, and that charge a fair price for the excellent job they do with termination. 

As far as I know there are only two companies that make wire.  You can twist them, bend then, wrap them, etc. in many ways.  My close friend did the first speaker wire a month ago and we compared it versus his Acoustic Zen bi-wires, no difference in sound.  So while there are many cable manufacturers out there as well as manufacturers of audio components, difference come from the design.  So you have to hear things for yourself and make up your own mid.  Look at all of the opinions on DACs, preamps and amplifiers.  Unless you know what makes one design sound better than the other, you will keep spinning your wheels.

Happy Listening.

Well of course one can make outstanding DIY cables with the high quality of today’s DIY products. To argue otherwise is just plain incorrect. DIY is one area in Audio that is growing and doing well. Lots of innovation going on in this space. Great parts have been developed and are now available to the DIY community. Yes, the Helix cable link is a great example. The wonderful conductors sold by Duelund combined with KLEI RCA plugs/bananas or Vampire XLR’s is yet another great example. As long as the builder is reasonably skilled/some experience then the outcome can certainly as good or better than “branded” cables selling for $100-$4000.

I also build USB cables that me and my customers know sonically surpass the big brands selling for up to $1100. We have done the listening tests. Too busy with other responsibilities right now to build cables for Agoners right now, but I have sold many. I was not manufacturing or designing my own conductors, rather I develop recipes through testing, building and fine tuning with conductors and parts readily available to all of us.

Seems this is a blind spot for MillerCarbon as he keeps typing this false narrative. He often offers good advice, but seems a bad experience or two has narrowed his view on this topic. Too bad really as this is one area where Aphiles can save big money, learn, and enjoy the process of building cables with their own hands. Very rewarding.

DIY cables are a joke. Not that a lot of guys haven't deluded themselves into believing the fantasy you just...

you are a joke...

DIY cables are so bad, such a total waste of time and money ..

reading this crap is waste of time..